Farmers’ protests: New Brussels demo begins with bonfire outside EU Parliament

Farmers arrived in Brussels’ European Quarter Tuesday morning, in a new demonstration against policies which they say are whacking their business.

A ring of tractors circled Place du Luxembourg outside the European Parliament, where farmers milled around a blazing fire while “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees blared from loudspeakers.

Tractors have blocked several access roads around the European institutions, and currently no traffic is moving along Rue de la Loi — one of the busiest thoroughfares in Brussels.

Farmers across Europe have been protesting for months against EU red tape, global trade deals and new green requirements under the bloc’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Tags: EU, protests